章節 38: Chapter 38: 4 S-class mages?
When Laxus challenged Nate to a duel, Nate naturally intended to refuse. But before he could respond, Erza spoke up first.
"Laxus, if you want to fight, I'll take you on!"
"Huh?" Laxus scowled, visibly displeased. "What's this got to do with you, Erza?"
Electricity crackled around him, making a sharp "zzt" sound as it intensified. Erza stood firm, her expression resolute. She didn't say much, but her attitude was clear.
Though they hadn't known each other long, Erza could tell that Nate wasn't someone who liked unnecessary trouble. If Laxus pushed for a duel, Nate would surely refuse. And if Nate declined, Laxus might resort to force. Seeing this, Erza felt she had to step in.
"That's enough, Laxus!" Makarov's voice interrupted. "The guild isn't the place for pointless brawls. If Nate agrees, you can find somewhere more open to fight."
Laxus clicked his tongue in annoyance but reluctantly withdrew his magic. With a flash of electricity, he vanished from the second floor.
Once he was gone, Makarov turned to Nate and said, "Don't mind him, Nate. The boy just doesn't know how to talk to people. He means no harm."
"I didn't take it personally, Master," Nate replied, just as his ring lit up with a notification.
Nate opened the Internet and saw a friend request:
[Laxus has sent you a friend request...]
After accepting it, Laxus immediately sent a message.
Laxus: "The old man's annoying. Come to the eastern forest. I'll be waiting!"
This guy won't let it go, huh? Nate thought, shaking his head before replying.
Sigma Male: "You just wait!"
Though it was a bit of a hassle, Nate decided he would give Laxus a proper lesson—a "friendship punch" to teach him how to communicate.
Could he win? Of course!
Just as he was getting up, Mirajane suddenly walked out of the reception area.
"Nate!"
"What's up?" Nate asked.
"You remember that S-class request you took on? The one about Galuna Island?"
"The evil miasma has returned?" Nate guessed immediately.
"Yes, the villagers just contacted us. They're asking if you can return," Mira confirmed.
Hearing this, Nate scratched his head. It seemed like the Moon Drip ritual still hadn't been fully resolved, causing the evil miasma to reappear over the island again and again.
When he received his payment for the original job, he had promised to take care of any follow-up issues. Now, it was time to honor that commitment.
"I got it. Let them know I'll head out right away."
Nate nodded, ready to go.
Erza, listening nearby, chimed in, "An S-class request?"
She was a bit surprised. Although Nate wasn't officially an S-class mage, it turned out he had completed such a high-level request. But it seemed like something had gone wrong.
Mirajane explained the situation briefly.
After hearing the explanation, Erza nodded seriously. "Nate, let me go with you. You helped me with Eisenwald, so now it's my turn to assist you."
Nate hesitated for a moment.
In truth, he didn't need help. But seeing how determined Erza was, it didn't seem appropriate to refuse.
"Alright, I'd appreciate the help."
"Let's meet at the station then," Nate said, leaving the guild.
As he reached the door, his ring lit up again with another message. It was from Laxus.
Sigma Male: "Sorry, we'll have to spar some other time."
Laxus: "Huh? Are you trying to run away? Are you even a man? I must've misjudged you, Nate."
Nate grimaced.
Sigma Male: "I've got to finish up an unresolved S-class request first."
Laxus: "You think I'm gonna believe that weak excuse? If you're a man, come to the eastern forest!"
Sigma Male: "Believe what you want. I'll beat you up when I get back. 😏"
Laxus: "Where are you?"
Sigma Male: "?"
Laxus: "I'm coming with you. After you finish your job, we'll fight right away."
Nate couldn't believe it.
Why was everyone so eager to tag along?
...
A little while later, at Magnolia's train station, Erza and Laxus exchanged a glance, both turning toward Nate.
"Why is he here?" Erza frowned. "Laxus, you haven't given up yet?"
"I was going to ask you the same, Erza. What are you doing here?"
Laxus glanced at the massive pile of luggage on a cart behind Erza and smirked. "Are you going on vacation?"
"You both really didn't have to come along," Nate said, exasperated, throwing up his hands. "Don't you two S-class mages have your own business?"
"The train's here," Laxus said, ignoring him and heading toward the train.
"Don't worry, Nate. I'm on your side," Erza said, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder with one hand while clenching a fist with the other.
These two stubborn mages hadn't listened to a word he said.
"...Alright, fine. Let's go."
Just as he was about to board, his ring lit up again.
It was Juvia.
Juvia: "Nate-sama, I've arrived in Magnolia!"
Juvia: "Should I come to the guild to find you?"
Another one?! Nate sighed. He had no choice but to reply.
Sigma Male: "I'm at the station."
Juvia: "You knew I was coming and came to the station to pick me up? Juvia's so touched! 😳"
How would I know what time your train was arriving? Nate grumbled inwardly.
He activated his Six Eyes and scanned the station, quickly spotting Juvia.
"Erza, you go ahead and board the train. I'll be right back."
Leaving those words behind, Nate rushed off to meet Juvia. Since she had come all this way, it wouldn't be right not to say hello.
Before long, Nate found Juvia waiting outside the station, looking around expectantly. When she saw him, her face lit up with joy, and she waved enthusiastically.
"Nate-sama!"
Juvia ran up to him, immediately handing over a magic book. "This is the magic book I stole! Master Jose has no idea. I wasn't caught!"
You really stole it? Nate didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"And here's the money!" Juvia handed him a bank card. "I sold all the magic rings. It came to 8 million J."
"Keep half of it for yourself. You don't need to give it all to me."
"Juvia has plenty of money."
Wow, this is intense. Nate could feel the pressure of Juvia's overwhelming devotion.
In the end, he accepted the card, planning to return half of the money to her later.
"Nate-sama..."
Juvia blushed, fidgeting shyly. "Juvia hasn't eaten yet. Could you join me for dinner?"
Before Nate could answer, Juvia seemed to remember something.
"Juvia will pay!" she quickly added, afraid he would refuse.
"Uh..." Nate hesitated, coughing lightly before explaining the situation with the S-class request.
"The train's leaving soon, so..."
"Can Juvia come with you?"
Her eyes sparkled with excitement. Going on a train trip with Nate to another town on a mission—it felt like a "honeymoon" to her!
Her face said it all: She really wanted to go!
Nate opened his mouth, but no words came out.
He was just heading off to resolve the Moon Drip issue. Did he really need three S-class mages to come along?
What would Lyon think when he found out?
Wait, counting himself, that made four S-class mages.
"Sigh... Alright, let's go."
~~~
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